Category: 1920s

We thought we’d give a nod to the women who attended to the appearance of middle- and upper-class ladies throughout the ages – the lady’s maid. Employed by the lady of the house, the lady’s maid was a female personal attendant whose specific duties included helping her mistress with her appearance (including makeup, hairdressing, jewellery, clothing Read More …

The majority of adverts from the 1920s use illustrations – even famous faces were most likely drawn. Photography was used occasionally. Some adverts have a lot of narrative, describing in great detail how wonderful their products are and how to use them – a real insight into the thinking of the era. The way women Read More …

Wearing makeup really took off again in the 1920s after years of being in the wilderness. New products came onto the market and cosmetics became more affordable. The love of having a suntan started during the decade and nail varnish entered the modern age. Women were influenced by the queens of the silver screen, and Read More …

The Roaring Twenties were book-ended between two global cataclysmic events – the aftermath of World War I, and the financial crash that led to the Great Depression. The Great War had taken many lives, and this shadow cast a desire to live for today and embrace life. It was off with the old – literally Read More …

Men in the military are required to have short haircuts for various good reasons: they are low maintenance, practical and clean; they create a professional and unified image; the hair won’t get caught in helmets, weapons, wires or an enemy’s hands; and the field of vision is not blocked. Since the turn of the 20th Read More …